Farm Animals

Pig Heat Stress Management Summer Welfare

Heat stress in pigs causes reduced feed intake, reproductive failure, immunosuppression, and death, with indoor systems particularly vulnerable during summer heat events.

Key Facts

Pigs are highly susceptible to heat stress as they cannot sweat and have limited panting capacity
Critical temperature for growing pigs is around 27 degrees Celsius at normal humidity
Heat stress reduces sow conception rates and increases embryo mortality significantly
Ventilation rate adjustment, drip cooling, and shade provision are effective interventions
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat stress events globally

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes suffering, reproductive failure, and death in pigs. Climate adaptation of pig housing is increasingly urgent as summer temperatures rise.

What You Can Do

Ensure adequate ventilation capacity in pig buildings for summer heat events
Install drip cooling or wet pad cooling in farrowing and finishing accommodation
Monitor pig behaviour for signs of heat stress including bunching and open-mouth breathing
Review climate adaptation of pig housing with your farm adviser